Nanaimo RCMP has a new leader at the helm with Insp. Norm McPhail named officer in charge of the detachment.
McPhail replaces Supt. Jeff Lott, who recently retired after 10 years as the city's top Mountie.
A 29-year veteran, McPhail is currently head of traffic services on Vancouver Island and is the RCMP liaison officer to the provincial government.
His career postings include Richmond, Whistler, the Comox Valley, Port Hardy and Nelson.
In 2004, he returned to Whistler RCMP as commander and helped create a regional policing model to work with security resources for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
In 2006, he was promoted to inspector and created the Sea to Sky Regional Police Services for a region that stretches from West Vancouver to Lillooet.
Ted Swabey, city general manager, community safety and development, said there were 23 applications from across the country and McPhail proved to be an excellent candidate.
“We had a good competition and Norm ended up on top,” said Swabey. “Jeff leaves some large shoes to fill, but Norm has good credentials and we expect big things from him.”
McPhail is expected to start work full-time in Nanaimo by the end of May.